Bench-tested hobby gear · 51 reviews
Prime it. Pin it. Paint it right.
Honest reviews of the paints, brushes, airbrushes, tools and starter armies that take a sprue from grey plastic to tabletop-ready. Scored at the paint desk, not on the spec sheet.
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The display shelf
Editor's Top Picks
Three products from three different corners of the hobby that earned a permanent spot on our desks.
Best overall · Starter Sets & ArmiesGames Workshop Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Dominion Boxed SetDominion remains one of the best value entry points into tabletop wargaming and miniature painting.- Miniature Count70 plastic models
- MaterialPolystyrene plastic (Citadel)
- Core Book Pages352 pages
Runner-up · BrushesWinsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable BrushThe Series 7 remains the gold standard for miniature painters who demand precision and control.- Hair Type100% Kolinsky Sable
- Available Sizes000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3
- Ferrule MaterialSeamless Nickel-Plated Brass
Bench favourite · Rulebooks & GamesGames Workshop Warhammer: The Old World – Core RulesThe Old World Core Rules delivers a meaty, nostalgia-laden rulebook that satisfies veteran Warhammer Fantasy fans and dedicated hobbyists who enjoy tactical rank-and-flank combat.- FormatHardback book
- Pagesapprox. 240 pages
- PublisherGames Workshop
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All 51 reviews
Filter by station, search by name or brand, sort by score. Every card lists the three things that matter most.
51 products
Starter Sets & ArmiesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Dominion Boxed Set- Two full armies included
- Exceptional detail for painting
- Massive starter set value
BrushesWinsor & NewtonWinsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brush- Legendary point retention
- Trusted by pro painters
- Handcrafted Kolinsky sable
Starter Sets & ArmiesCorvus BelliCorvus Belli Infinity CodeOne Starter Pack- Two factions included
- Beginner-friendly ruleset
- Stunning 28mm sculpts
Rulebooks & GamesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Warhammer: The Old World – Core Rules- Deep tactical rules
- Premium hardback quality
- Rich Old World lore
Starter Sets & ArmiesReaper MiniaturesReaper Bones USA Miniatures- Sharp, upgraded sculpt detail
- Durable USA-made material
- Minimal mold line cleanup
Starter Sets & ArmiesFantasy Flight GamesFantasy Flight Games X-Wing Second Edition Core Set- Pre-painted detailed miniatures
- Fast tactical dogfight gameplay
- Expandable ship ecosystem
Rulebooks & GamesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Blood Bowl: Second Season Edition- Two detailed plastic teams
- Deep tactical gameplay
- Ideal for miniature painters
Paints & WashesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Base Paint Set- Opaque one-coat coverage
- Consistent premium pigmentation
- Ideal for base-coating minis
Paints & WashesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Mega Paint Set- 60 paints included
- Tools included free
- Massive color range
Paints & WashesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Shade Paint- Instant depth & shading
- One-coat recess shading
- Trusted by pro painters
Starter Sets & ArmiesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Kill Team Starter Set- Two full kill teams
- Modular battlefield terrain
- Streamlined tactical rules
Rulebooks & GamesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Necromunda Core Rulebook- Complete underhive campaign rules
- Rich immersive gang lore
- Premium hardback production
Starter Sets & ArmiesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Space Marine Combat Patrol- Ready-to-play army set
- Easy push-fit assembly
- Great starter value
Starter Sets & ArmiesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Stormcast Eternals Vanguard- Multiple build options
- Exceptional sculpt detail
- Display-worthy dynamic poses
Starter Sets & ArmiesGames WorkshopGames Workshop T'au Empire: Combat Patrol- Full T'au strike force
- Push-fit easy assembly
- Includes Riptide battlesuit
Starter Sets & ArmiesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Warhammer 40,000: Combat Patrol – Necrons- Complete starter Necron army
- Includes rules and accessories
- Great value multi-unit box
Paints & WashesMonument HobbiesMonument Hobbies Pro Acryl Miniature Paint Set- Smooth blendable formula
- Highly pigmented coverage
- Beginner-friendly acrylics
Paints & WashesScale75Scale75 Scalecolor Paint Set- Vibrant pigment coverage
- Airbrush-ready formula
- Precision dropper bottles
Paints & WashesThe Army PainterThe Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Set- Rich pigment coverage
- Mess-free dropper bottles
- Smooth layering formula
Paints & WashesVallejoVallejo Game Color Paint Set- Superior pigment coverage
- Wargaming-specific color range
- Precision dropper bottles
Rulebooks & GamesWyrd GamesWyrd Games Malifaux Core Rulebook (3rd Edition)- Unique Fate deck system
- Rich faction lore
- Deep scenario variety
Paints & WashesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Contrast Paint Set- One-coat shading formula
- Speeds up army painting
- Beginner-friendly application
Rulebooks & GamesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Warhammer 40000 Core Rulebook (10th Edition)- Complete official 40k rules
- Stunning miniature photography
- Foundation for entire hobby
Paints & WashesReaper MiniaturesReaper Miniatures Master Series Paint Set- Easy triad shading system
- Highly pigmented acrylics
- Great value hobby paint
Paints & WashesVallejoVallejo Model Color Paint Set- Rich pigment saturation
- Precision dropper bottles
- Wargaming color accuracy
Basing & TerrainBattle SystemsBattle Systems Modular Terrain Set- Tool-free modular assembly
- Pre-printed detailed surfaces
- Flat-pack portability
Rulebooks & GamesCatalyst Game LabsCatalyst Game Labs BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat- Easy tabletop entry point
- Paintable plastic Mech miniatures
- Deep tactical combat system
Starter Sets & ArmiesCorvus BelliCorvus Belli Infinity N4 Starter Pack- Two full factions included
- Beginner-friendly N4 rules
- High-detail 28mm miniatures
Paints & WashesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Texture Paint- One-step basing texture
- Durable weatherproof finish
- Realistic terrain effect
Paints & WashesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Mournfang Brown Technical Paint- Fast leather & fur effects
- Consistent pigment quality
- Ready-to-use formula
Rulebooks & GamesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Warhammer Age of Sigmar Core Rules- Fast rules reference
- Tournament legal ruleset
- Affordable core rulebook
Rulebooks & GamesOsprey GamesOsprey Games Frostgrave Fantasy Wargaming Rulebook- Fast skirmish gameplay
- Deep wizard customization
- Great solo campaigns
Rulebooks & GamesStudio TomahawkStudio Tomahawk SAGA: Age of Vikings Rulebook- Fast tactical skirmish combat
- Unique per-faction abilities
- Compact painting-friendly warbands
Paints & WashesThe Army PainterThe Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0- One-coat shade and highlight
- Improved matte finish
- Fast army-scale painting
Rulebooks & GamesWarlord GamesWarlord Games Bolt Action Rulebook (2nd Edition)- Complete WWII ruleset
- Stunning miniature photography
- Flexible army building
Starter Sets & ArmiesWarlord GamesWarlord Games Bolt Action Starter Set- Complete WWII starter bundle
- Beginner-friendly rulebook included
- Expandable miniature army
Basing & TerrainGreen Stuff WorldGreen Stuff World Miniature Bases- Pre-textured detailed surfaces
- Multiple sizes and shapes
- Durable warp-resistant material
Rulebooks & GamesPrivateer PressPrivateer Press WARMACHINE Core Rules- Deep tactical combat system
- Tournament-ready scenario rules
- Premium miniature photography
Basing & TerrainSecret Weapon MiniaturesSecret Weapon Miniatures Basing Kit- Reusable texture casting plates
- Crisp realistic surface detail
- Cost-effective bulk basing
Hobby ToolsRedgrass GamesRedgrass Games Turntable- 360° smooth rotation
- Non-slip painting surface
- Compact & portable design
Paints & WashesVallejoVallejo Mecha Color Set- Vivid mecha-specific pigments
- Airbrush and brush ready
- Great for panel lining
Paints & WashesAK InteractiveAK Interactive Weathering Pencils Set- Precision weathering control
- 12 realistic tones included
- Water-soluble easy blending
BrushesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Fine Detail Brush- Precise fine-point tip
- Great for edge highlights
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
Hobby ToolsGreen Stuff WorldGreen Stuff World Sculpting Tools Set- 10 versatile sculpting tools
- Great for greenstuff repairs
- Affordable hobby essential
AirbrushesIwataIwata Neo Airbrush- Fine detail nozzle
- Trusted Iwata quality
- Beginner-friendly dual-action
AirbrushesBadger Air-Brush Co.Badger Air-Brush Co. Patriot 105 Airbrush- Versatile dual-action control
- Durable USA-made build
- Interchangeable nozzle sizes
Hobby ToolsGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Painting Handle- Secure locking rotation
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Fingerprint-free painting
Rulebooks & GamesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Warhammer Underworlds: Nightvault- Two full warbands included
- Quick 30-45 minute games
- Great painting practice models
Hobby ToolsThe Army PainterThe Army Painter Wet Palette- Keeps paint workable
- Reduces paint waste
- Great for blending
BrushesThe Army PainterThe Army Painter Miniature and Model Brush Set- Multiple brush sizes included
- Great for beginners
- Good all-round value
AirbrushesGames WorkshopGames Workshop Citadel Colour Airbrush- Precision fine detail
- Citadel paint compatible
- Dual-action control
Nothing on the shelf matches that.Try a shorter search or another category.
Top 10 leaderboard
The ten highest scores on the site
Ranked purely on our overall score. Ties are broken by how much hobbyist feedback backs the product up.
Browse the full catalog- 01Games Workshop Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Dominion Boxed SetGames Workshop · Starter Sets & Armies4.8
- 02Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable BrushWinsor & Newton · Brushes4.7
- 03Corvus Belli Infinity CodeOne Starter PackCorvus Belli · Starter Sets & Armies4.6
- 04Games Workshop Warhammer: The Old World – Core RulesGames Workshop · Rulebooks & Games4.6
- 05Reaper Bones USA MiniaturesReaper Miniatures · Starter Sets & Armies4.6
- 06Fantasy Flight Games X-Wing Second Edition Core SetFantasy Flight Games · Starter Sets & Armies4.6
- 07Games Workshop Blood Bowl: Second Season EditionGames Workshop · Rulebooks & Games4.6
- 08Games Workshop Citadel Base Paint SetGames Workshop · Paints & Washes4.6
- 09Games Workshop Citadel Mega Paint SetGames Workshop · Paints & Washes4.6
- 10Games Workshop Citadel Shade PaintGames Workshop · Paints & Washes4.6
Head to head
Top 5 Compared
Our five best-scoring products across categories, side by side. Sub-scores are out of 10; bench hours is the time we logged with each one. Click any row for the full review.
| # | Product | Category | Score | Ease of use | Value | Finish quality | Bench hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Games Workshop Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Dominion Boxed SetGames Workshop | Starter Sets & Armies | 4.8 | 8.4 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 31 h | Starting a new army or game |
| 2 | Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable BrushWinsor & Newton | Brushes | 4.7 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 9.5 | 46 h | Detail work and clean edges |
| 3 | Corvus Belli Infinity CodeOne Starter PackCorvus Belli | Starter Sets & Armies | 4.6 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 9.0 | 25 h | Starting a new army or game |
| 4 | Games Workshop Warhammer: The Old World – Core RulesGames Workshop | Rulebooks & Games | 4.6 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 23 h | Learning a new game system |
| 5 | Games Workshop Blood Bowl: Second Season EditionGames Workshop | Rulebooks & Games | 4.6 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.1 | 13 h | Learning a new game system |
From sprue to tabletop
The paint-desk path
The six stages every model goes through, and the reviewed gear we reach for at each one.
Step 1 of 6
Prep & hold
Clean mould lines, fill gaps and fix the model to something you can grip. A steady hold means steadier brush strokes for hours.
Bench tip Pin heavy metal parts with brass rod before gluing; superglue alone snaps at the first drop.
Step 2 of 6
Basecoat
Block in every area with flat, opaque colour. Two thin coats beat one thick one, and they keep sculpted detail crisp.
Bench tip Thin paint to the consistency of milk and let each coat dry fully before the next.
Step 3 of 6
Shade & speed
Washes and one-coat paints flow into recesses and do the shading for you. This is where an army goes from flat to finished.
Bench tip Wick excess shade off raised areas with a clean damp brush to avoid tide marks.
Step 4 of 6
Layer & detail
Build highlights in thin layers and pick out eyes, gems and trim. A good point on the brush matters more than anything else here.
Bench tip A wet palette keeps layers workable for a whole session instead of drying in minutes.
Step 5 of 6
Airbrush & effects
Zenithal priming, smooth gradients and weathering. An airbrush speeds up big models and vehicles dramatically.
Bench tip Spray at low pressure (15–20 PSI) with paint thinned well past brush consistency.
Step 6 of 6
Base & display
Texture, tufts and a clean rim tie the model to the table. A finished base makes even a quick paint job look deliberate.
Bench tip Paint the base rim one neutral colour across the whole army for a unified look.
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51products reviewed
22brands on the shelf
7hobby stations
36products scoring 4.5+
Browse all 51 reviews